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You Can Now Go Glamping Using 35k Marriott Points

July 26, 2019
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4 min read
marriott-tribute-portfolio-Natra-Bintan-tented-property
You Can Now Go Glamping Using 35k Marriott Points
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Slide over, Bali — there's a pretty cool looking points property in Indonesia, but it's not on the island that first comes to mind for most tourists. Marriott's Tribute Portfolio has recently taken over what was known as The Canopi on Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago. If ever you've dreamed of glamping in a safari-themed (points-friendly) tent, but in the tropics, here's your chance.

Natra Bintan's crystal lagoon (Photo courtesy of Natra Bintan)
Natra Bintan's crystal lagoon (Photo courtesy of Natra Bintan)

Formerly the Canopi Bintan, now known as the Natra Bintan, the newly renamed property is home to 100 tents, with each encompassing more than 40 square meters. In true glamping fashion, the tents are equipped with an LCD TV, Wi-Fi connection, a garden and outdoor patio, four-poster bed and -- blessedly -- air conditioning.

Which Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Is Right for You?

Natra sits directly on the Crystal Lagoon, which is Southeast Asia’s first and largest man-made seawater lagoon. The bumper boats and slides may be a turn-off for some, though families may see things differently.

Natra-Bintan-glamping-tent-interior
Natra Bintan's glamping interior (Photo courtesy of Natra Bintan)

Another strong draw here is the location. It's merely a ferry ride away from Tanah Merah Port (Singapore), Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang from Berjaya Waterfront (Johor Baru, Malaysia) and Telaga Punggur (Batam, Indonesia). If you're coming from the port in Singapore, a transfer service is offered to guests. Given that Singapore is known for its relatively low airfares, those who are planning a mileage run to one of the world's most elaborate airports should consider a stay at Natra Bintan.

natra-bintan-jetovator
Yes, you can ride the Jetovator at Natra Bintan. (Photo courtesy of Natra Bintan)

Natra will also offer guests an all-inclusive package "infused with unique destination experiences, curated to allure to the world’s traveler." Evidently, that may include a death-defying ride aboard the Jetovator.

For most dates, we're seeing wide availability at 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Yes, Indonesian currency prices look odd.

While that appears to be a fairly low amount of points for such a luxurious property, it's worth putting in context. This region as a whole is home to quite a few luxury properties that don't cost a fortune. Paid nights here for most of the year are around $140 per night for the base garden tent, and the safari tent isn't much more. The top-tier lagoon view tent, which doesn't appear to be bookable with points, can be had for under $180 per night. That could put you under the .8 cents per point valuation for Marriott Bonvoy set by TPG.

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However, in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, there are cobranded credit cards offering an annual free night worth up to 35,000 points at each renewal, so using those certificates would also be an option. This perk can make it (more than) worth it to pay the annual fee each year on these cards. Marriott cards available with that benefit include:

  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Here are some of the best uses of those certificates.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.